Childhood and Education Journey of Carmelo Anthony in Timeline

How education and upbringing influenced the life of Carmelo Anthony. A timeline of key moments.

Carmelo Anthony, nicknamed "Melo," is a retired American professional basketball player who had a 19-season NBA career. A ten-time All-Star and six-time All-NBA Team member, Anthony rose to prominence at Syracuse University, leading the Orange to a national championship in 2003 and earning the NCAA Tournament's Most Outstanding Player award. Known for his scoring prowess, he was named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team in 2021. Anthony was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame twice in 2025, both individually and as part of the 2008 U.S. Olympic team.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

May 29, 1984: Carmelo Anthony Born

On May 29, 1984, Carmelo Kyam Anthony, nicknamed "Melo", was born. He would later become a professional basketball player.

Others born on this day/year

1999: Growth Spurt

During the summer of 1999, Carmelo Anthony grew 5 inches (130 mm).

2000: Oak Hill Academy Winner of USA Today

In 2000, Oak Hill Academy won the USA Today high school championship.

2001: AAU Tournament Final Four

During the summer of 2001, Carmelo Anthony led an AAU Baltimore Select team to the Final Four of the Adidas Big Time Tournament in Las Vegas, Nevada.

2001: Oak Hill Academy

In 2001, Carmelo Anthony transferred to Oak Hill Academy in Virginia for his senior campaign.

2001: Baltimore Sun's Metro Player of the Year

In 2001, Carmelo Anthony was named The Baltimore Sun's metro player of the year, as well as Baltimore Catholic League player of the year.

2002: Plays for Syracuse University

During the 2002-03 season, Carmelo Anthony played one season at Syracuse University.

2002: McDonald's All-American Game

In 2002, Carmelo Anthony was selected to play in the Jordan Brand Classic, scoring a game-high 27 points, and the 2002 McDonald's All-American Game, where he played on the same team with two future New York Knicks teammates, Raymond Felton and Amar'e Stoudemire. In that game, he scored 19 points and won the Sprite Slam Jam dunk contest.

2003: Shoe Deal with Jordan Brand

In 2003, Carmelo Anthony signed his first shoe deal with Jordan brand for $3.5 million per year for six years.

2004: Appearance in Stop Snitchin' Video

In 2004, Carmelo Anthony appeared in a video entitled Stop Snitchin', which warned against collaborating with the police in Baltimore. He later distanced himself from the video.

2004: Engagement to La La Vazquez

In 2004, Carmelo Anthony became engaged to Alani "La La" Vazquez.

2004: Publication of First Book

In 2004, Carmelo Anthony co-authored his first book, Carmelo Anthony: It's Just The Beginning, with Greg Brown, detailing his rise to the NBA.

Carmelo Anthony: It's Just The Beginning (Positively for Kids Book)

Check it on Amazon

2004: Tsunami Relief Donation

In 2004, Carmelo Anthony donated $35,000 to relief efforts after the tsunami caused by the Indian Ocean earthquake.

2004: Release of Signature Shoe

In 2004, Carmelo Anthony's first signature shoe, the Jordan Carmelo 1.5, was released.

Nike Jordan Carmelo 1.5 Low

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2005: Music Video Appearance

In 2005, Carmelo Anthony appeared in the music video for Common's song "Be" from the album Be.

2005: Donations to Charity

In 2005, Carmelo Anthony donated $1,000 per point scored against San Antonio and Houston on January 8 and 9, respectively. He also committed $3 million to Syracuse University for a basketball practice facility.

December 14, 2006: Opening of Youth Development Center

On December 14, 2006, Carmelo Anthony opened "The Carmelo Anthony Youth Development Center" in Baltimore.

2006: Charitable Contributions Recognition

For charitable contributions totaling $4,282,000, Carmelo Anthony was listed as number eight in "The Giving Back 30 List of Largest Charitable Donations by Celebrities in 2006".

2006: Partnership with Hemelgarn Racing

In 2006, Carmelo Anthony partnered with Hemelgarn Racing to campaign a car driven by P. J. Chesson in the 2006 IndyCar Series season. The team dismantled after a crash in the Indy 500.

February 2, 2007: Anthony involved in minor car accident

On February 2, 2007, Carmelo Anthony and teammate J.R. Smith were involved in a minor car accident where neither player was injured.

March 7, 2007: Birth of Son Kiyan

On March 7, 2007, Carmelo Anthony and La La Vazquez welcomed their son, Kiyan Carmelo Anthony.

2008: Professional Athlete of the Year Award

Carmelo Anthony won Professional Athlete of the Year award in 2008.

January 4, 2009: Anthony breaks bone in hand

On January 4, 2009, Carmelo Anthony broke a bone in his hand during a game against the Indiana Pacers and chose to have it splinted.

January 2009: Colorado Sports Hall of Fame Selection

In January 2009, Carmelo Anthony was selected by the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame as its professional athlete of the year for 2008.

April 14, 2009: Induction Banquet Headliner

On April 14, 2009, Carmelo Anthony and wrestler Henry Cejudo were chosen as the special award headliners for the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame induction banquet.

July 10, 2010: Marriage to La La Vazquez

On July 10, 2010, Carmelo Anthony and La La Vazquez were married in New York City. VH1 filmed the ceremony for a reality series called La La's Full Court Wedding.

2010: Sister's Death

In 2010, Carmelo Anthony's sister, Michelle, passed away.

February 22, 2011: Anthony traded to New York Knicks

On February 22, 2011, Carmelo Anthony, along with Chauncey Billups, was traded to the New York Knicks in a multi-player deal, after which Anthony signed a three-year, $65 million contract extension.

2011: Wore Jersey Number 7

In 2011, Carmelo Anthony wore jersey number 7 for New York Knicks

2012: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Appearance

In 2012, Carmelo Anthony participated in a merchandising cooperation with Nickelodeon for the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles franchise, where he has several guest appearances, namely in the Amazing Adventures spin-off comics to the 2012 TV series.

2012: Nurse Jackie Guest Star

In spring 2012, Carmelo Anthony guest starred in several episodes of the Showtime series Nurse Jackie as a professional baseball player going through drug rehab.

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2013: Appearance in Chinese Film Amazing

In 2013, Carmelo Anthony, along with Dwight Howard and Scottie Pippen, appeared in the Chinese film Amazing, a joint venture between the NBA and Shanghai Film Group Corporation.

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2014: Sons of Anarchy Cameo

In 2014, Carmelo Anthony made a cameo appearance in an episode of the FX series Sons of Anarchy.

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2015: Founding of Puerto Rico FC

In 2015, Carmelo Anthony founded the North American Soccer League expansion club Puerto Rico FC.

2016: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Appearance

In 2016, Carmelo Anthony participated in a merchandising cooperation with Nickelodeon for the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles franchise, appearing in the action film.

2017: Wore Jersey Number 7

In 2017, Carmelo Anthony wore jersey number 7 for New York Knicks

December 2018: Reconciliation with La La

In December 2018, Carmelo Anthony and La La reconciled after a period of separation.

2020: Property Sale

In 2020, Carmelo Anthony sold his property in New York.

April 2021: Launch of Creative 7 Production Company

In April 2021, Carmelo Anthony launched a production company called Creative 7, named after his New York Knicks jersey number.

June 2021: Divorce Filing

In June 2021, La La filed for divorce from Carmelo Anthony.

2022: Publication of Memoir

In 2022, Carmelo Anthony wrote a memoir titled Where Tomorrows Aren't Promised: A Memoir of Survival and Hope, co-written with D. Watkins, focusing on his upbringing.